One Day Hiking

Hiking is like refreshment. When people only think about
hiking their excitement level increases and when they are on hiking they just
feel the pleasure of heaven. Hiking not only refresh body but also mind of a
person. So one should go for a hiking to understand the beauty of nature and to
make beautiful moments. People of old age, children, weak ones cannot go for a
trekking as it needs much more energy to accomplish it so for those who cannot
go for a trekking they can try hiking. Hiking for one day will be enough to
know the fascinating beauty of nature. So, there are many hiking spots where
people can explore beauty of nature, people living out there, culture, language
and so on.

1.Godavari to Phulchowki

It’s a short hike of around 4 hours that starts from
Godavari, 14 km south east of Kathmandu, and ends on the top of Phulchowki hill
(2783 m). In winter, there’s snowfall in this area which is quite an attraction
as it is rare phenomenon within the valley. As you move higher, you can enjoy a
splendid bird’s-eye-view of Kathmandu valley along with the glorious display of
the mountain ranges.

2. Taudaha to Champadevi:

It’s a hill in
Kirtipur (northwest part of the valley) that stands 2285 m tall. Two trekking
routes, Taudaha and Machhe Gaon, lead you there. I prefer Taudaha because it’s
easier and offers a magnificent view of central and western Himalayan range. It
takes me around 4- 5 hours to reach to the top. The other route is
comparatively shorter. There’s also a temple of a Hindu Goddess, Champadevi at
the top of the hill.

The weather is unstable here so don’t be surprised if a
perfect sunny day turns out to be a drizzle. It rained heavily the last time I
hiked so I suggest you prepare yourself for the situation.

3. Sundarijal to Chisapani

We will get
fascinated by the creations of nature and this route is the one to explore
them. Incredible formation of rocks, cataracts, waterfalls and so on. The hike
is short and easy. It starts from Sundarijal, 10 km north east of Kathmandu (45
minutes drive), and ends at Chisapani. I didn’t just get truly amazed by the
panoramic mountains, the rare and beautiful flora and fauna but also got to
witness the culture of the people there.It’s only a walk of five hours that
took my breath away.

If it’s late then we can manage to return in the evening
despite the availability of lodging and food services. But if we want we can
choose to stay. Do stack your food supply as it is limited there and also the
shops are comparatively expensive.

4. Balaju to Nagarjuna

It’s a very short route of almost 2- 3 hours. We will see a
lot of people going up and down, even the children and old ones. The whole
route is under the awning of the trees that really makes you feel fresh. One
may even come across the Nagarjuna Palace on the way to the top. The hike
starts from Balaju bypass and ends at Nagarjuna. Tourists needs to pay entry
fee. On the top, there’s a famous monastery, Buddhist Gompa, that’s worth
visiting. Surrounded by hills and mountains on the northern side, Nagarjuna
captivates you and never lets you go.

5. Dhulikhel to Namobuddha

Well, this is more of
a picnic come hiking route. It starts from Dhulikhel, 30 km east of Kathmandu,
and ends at Namobuddha. It is the home to a national heritage and a grand
natural theatre to mountains like Gaurishanker, LakpaDorje, Langtang-Ri, Ganesh
Himal, Manaslu and so on.

It’s a mere 2- 3 hours of walk and the trail allowed me to
explore some of the rare species. We can buy a rhododendron. The clear view of
all these mountains is truly remarkable.There are restaurants if you want to
grab some refreshments. It also happened to be a pilgrimage site for the
Buddhists.

We have to take binoculars or camera and food supplies on
various occasions sothat we will not regret. So, we really need to pay
attention to that. The ultimate end is always good but it’s the journey that
counts as we’re hiking. Its October again and the time for one more round! Let
us pack our bags!

6.Kathmandu – Shivapuri( Budanilkahtha – Kopan)

Shivapuri situated at an altitude of 2563m north of
Kathmandu is second highest hill around Kathmandu valley. Baghdwar, Shivapuri
locates near source of holy river Bagmati. After breakfast at the hotel, we
drive for about 20 minutes to Budhanikantha Temple, 8 kms north of Kathmandu. From
Budhanilkantha we walk through Shivapuri conservation area. This is the
Government protected forest where over 500 species are found. We start our hike
from the southern boundary of the area where the army check post is located.
Nagi Gumpa situated at an altitude of 2330 m north of Kathmandu and above
Budhanilkantha Temple is only Monastery for the Nuns practice Buddhism and
foreigners often come there for meditation. It is a steep uphill hike through
narrow and dusty trail for about half an hour and two hours gradual uphill
trial to Shivapuri. After lunch and strolling around from sometime, we take a
short cut down hill trail to Kopan for about two hours and drive back to
Kathmandu.

7.Day hiking to NAMOBOUDHA (Panauti- Dhulikhel)

Namoboudha situated at the hill top of Panauti is very
important Buddhist pilgrimage located in Kavre District about 38 km. east of
Kathmandu. The stupa and shrines build up in this lovely little hill has
significantly enough mark a very ancient holy site where a legendary prince
named Mahasattva offered himself to starving Tigress with its several underfed
cubs. This legendary episode is depicted in a very nice stone slab and placed
right next to a holy stupa. After breakfast at the Hotel, we drive 35 km east
of Kathmandu for about one and half hours to a place called Dhapasi via an
ancient Newar town Panuti with packed lunch box. From Dhapasi we follow the
uphill trail forward north - east direction and the trail narrows. We cross a
suspension bridge and pass through many small villages to a huge rice field
which gives you chance to see How Nepali People plant and harvest the crop.
From here we hike steep uphill for about an hour to reach Namoboudha. After
lunch continue walk in easy trails to Dhulikhel. Drive back to Kathmandu or
overnight at resort in Dhulikhel.

8. Matatirtha – Chandragiri

This majestic new destination of Nepal offers a really
unique, amazing & interesting tour for eco tourism, short hiking to
Chandragiri hill (2275mtr ) 6 hours to & from, or start hiking from
Kirtipur to Machhenarayan temple tour in 2 hours and another an hour to Hotel.
It is an exotic destination in Nepal for those who are extremely interested to
see the verities for birds as Red-vented Bulbul, Great Egret, Grey Wagtail,
House Crow, House Sparrow, Little Egret, Oriental Turtle Dove, Spotted Dove,
Steppe Eagle, Kingfishers, Common Myna, Indian Pond Heron, Tit and so many
others. As well as so many Medical plants of Nepal been found in Chandragiri
jungle sub-tropical zone (1,000-2275 m.).This Magic Sangri-La of Nepal lies in
1650 mt. offering scenic ecstasy of Kathmandu valley & Unparalleled
sunrise. Chandragiri hill the warm home of Leopards & Barking deer\'s,
Jackal, Bears & red cats are other more types of wild animals which is
unbelievable.

9. Balaju – Kakani – Shivapuri village

Kakani trek is one of the finest trekking routes around
Kathmandu valley. The trek is named after the Shivapuri National Park, which is
regarded as the nearest National Park from the International Airport. It is
just 25 km from the capital, Kathmandu. Even though being so close yet it
provides a visitor a glimpse of the remoteness and the grandeur of the villages
found in Nepal. Shivapuri Village (2729m) is a true spirit of Nepalese village
experience and hospitality. This trek offers various activities to keep oneself
busy during the stay be it in the form of Nature Treks and Hikes, Ethnic
Village Tours, Bird Watching, Photography or just a simple relaxing leisure.
This is a fantastic hiking tour from Kathmandu. It offers a rich insight into
the lives, history, culture and religion of its inhabitants. Shivapuri hill
(2729m) is the highest point of this trekking. From the top of Shivapuri, one
can have a panoramic view of the western mountains like Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ganesh
Himal Range, Mt. Langtang Range, Mt. Dorjeelakpa Mt. Shisapangma, Mt.
Gaurishankar and many more.